It is good that 'Bonalu' and 'Bathukamma' festivals have been declared as the state festivals of Telangana as they represent the unique culture of Telangana. But there is something important to note that presence of thousands of joginis in the ongoing celebrations of Bonalu festival in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and in parts of Telangana indicates the failure of implementation of laws which were meant to abolish this brutal Jogini system.

In south India, there exists a religious tradition
called Jogini system which is also known as Devadasi system.
Literally ?devadasi? means ?servant of god?. A girl from
untouchable caste is dedicated to worship and service of a deity or a
temple for the rest of her life. These girls who are dedicated to
god, dance during Bonalu and they are like special attraction during
temple rituals.

In
Focus

This dedication takes place in a ceremony which is
similar in some ways to marriage. Such girls after being made as a jogini,
have to clean the temple premises daily but she is not allowed to
enter into the sanctum sanctorum of temple. These are also called
dancing girls who dance in temples on religious occasions. The brutal
thing about this jogini system is that they can be used as a sexual
property by the wealthy patrons of the village.

For many centuries this system has been a part of
southern Indian life. In the name of religion, still this kind of
social practice exist in our country.

But why only untouchable girls are dedicated to god
and temple? Usually untouchables are those who are economically and
socially backward and for whom life is very hard to live. They are
the most vulnerable and weaker sections of caste ridden Indian
society.

No stigma was attached to the devadasi or to her
children and other members of their caste receive them on terms of
equality. The children of devadasis are considered legitimate and
devadasis themselves are outwardly indistinguishable from married
women of their community.

She is believed to be free from widowhood
and was called ?Akhanda Saubhagyavathi? (women never separated
from good fortune). These are the traditional benefits offered to
them to enjoy high social status in the society, which entice them to
become a jogini and making them the victims of this system.

Poverty stricken people use religion to console
themselves after offering their daughters to temples. Religious
authorities in the name of god support this devadasi system and this
system is still prevalent in some states of India.

In spite of many laws initiated by our government to
abolish this kind of social practice which is still present in our
society as a part of our tradition is a blot on our society. The
reason why it still exists in our society is because there is an
acceptance of this system in our society. Even though there are laws
meant to abolish this devadasi system our government failed to
implement those laws.

For some untouchable communities this has become a
way of life granted by our tradition. This kind of practice however
believed to be pure and sacred in its nature, it has to be completely
abolished as it is leading to dehumanization of many girls and women.
They are falling prey to this evil tradition and religious practice.
It is our responsibility to raise voice against Jogini tradition and to
protect many women from this brutal religious practice.

Editorial NOTE: This article is categorized under
Opinion Section. The views expressed in this article are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of
merinews.com. In case you have a opposing view, please click
here to share the same in the comments section.